Ag Broadcaster Meghan Grebner hosts in-depth farm-based dialogues with farmers and ranchers
The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), a consumer-facing organization dedicated to leading the national conversation about how food is grown and raised, is partnering with Brownfield on their Spring 2015 Cab Conversations farmer-led series. Each week, three U.S. farmers meet on Google+ Hangout, from the cab of their tractors, to share insights, challenges and tips relating to the planting season with host Meghan Grebner, Anchor/Reporter for Brownfield Ag News. "Brownfield's Cab Conversations utilizes an innovative digital platform to bring farmers together. The result is an informative, educational and entertaining experience for participants and viewers alike," said Cyndi Young Director of Brownfield and Ag Operations.
Conversations range from drought challenges facing the Western farmers to different challenges faced by waterlogged Midwest farmers to planting and data technologies to the national dialogue around GMOs. Another unique element of the program is that Grebner checks back in with the farmers four-weeks later to see how things on the farm have changed, improved and even if new challenges have risen.
Grebner notes, "One of the best parts of hosting Brownfield's "Cab Conversations" is not only the chance to engage with farmers from across the country, but the opportunity for them to connect and have the chance to learn from each other. Knowing these farmers are taking time from their busy schedules to share their agriculture story from the cabs of their tractors highlights the industry's bright future."
The voices of USFRA's Faces of Farming and Ranching team will be heard in the series with each member participating in two episodes. The participants also offer tips on how to speak with consumers who have questions about the issues they are facing on the farm, such as water use.
"USFRA is known for its success in engaging consumers in dialogue about food and farming. So a series that engages farmers and ranchers in the same type of dialogue is a great place for us to be," said Nancy Kavazanjian, USFRA Chairwoman and a Wisconsin farmer herself. "It's great to hear the discussions between farmers because as one myself, I have engaged in similar dialogues but not in a medium where they can be broadly shared. On behalf of USFRA, we are thrilled to be partnering with Brownfield on this unique, engaging and informative program."
Cab Conversations can be viewed here: http://www.brownfieldagnews.com/cab_conversations. For those who would like to follow the conversation and engage with the farmers online, follow Brownfield (@Brownfield), Meghan Grebner (@BRNAgNews_MG and @mkg81) and USFRA (@USFRA) on Twitter and use #CabConversations and #FoodD.
A schedule along with a full list of the farmer and rancher participants and their Twitter handles is below.
5.18.2015